MGA asks appeals court to halt transfer of Bratz

LOS ANGELES 
MGA Entertainment Inc. asked a federal appeals court on Tuesday to halt the transfer of its Bratz dolls to Mattel Inc. while it appeals a judge's ruling.

In an emergency motion, MGA contends a court order to hand over trade secrets and its most popular product to its biggest rival before an appeal is reviewed would be "devastating and irreversible."

"From any practical or legal perspective, implementing the district court's orders before this appeal is decided makes no sense," MGA said in the motion.

"Nothing this court might order later ... could repair the damage MGA faces now from implementation of the district court's orders."

A Mattel spokeswoman said the company had not closely reviewed the motion and would not offer comment.

Last month U.S. District Judge Stephen Larson upheld a $100 million jury verdict against MGA for copyright infringement and breach of contract. It stemmed from a four-year legal battle in which Mattel accused Bratz doll designer Carter Bryant of creating the concept of Bratz while working for Mattel.

Larson ruled that the Bratz doll – marketed by MGA since 2001 – is Mattel property, and he appointed a temporary federal receiver to take control of the Bratz brand and MGA's assets. The receiver will decide who produces the doll and under what terms, but Larson's order authorizes the receiver to maximize Bratz profits.

Mattel attorneys have said in court that the company is willing and able to produce Bratz dolls once receivership issues are sorted.